The Fisher king …

This morning we got to meet Mike Fisher. The first thing I noticed when I saw him … how weird it must feel for him to be wearing Predators gear. Fisher, 30, had played his entire 10+ year career with the Ottawa Senators. But there he was, wearing a Predators hat and a Predators t-shirt.

Fisher will be in the lineup tonight when the Predators play the Colorado Avalanche and all-world forward Peter Forsberg. Nashville Coach Barry Trotz did not say where he will slot Fisher because he’s waiting to hear about whether a few injured players will be in the lineup. Trotz did not reveal who he was talking about, but my guess is Marcel Goc, who left Nashville’s win over Detroit on Wednesday with an upper-body strain. Goc did practice at the morning skate. Trotz also said forward Marek Svatos (knee) was getting close but wouldn’t play.

A little context to the media scrum session on this post. Trotz normally picks new acquisitions up from the airport. Clearly, Fisher had someone else in town who got him.

Mike Fisher

What was it like when you walked into the locker room?

“Just trying to kind of get my bearings and meet everyone and get my gear together, it was definitely a weird feeling for sure, and but I’m excited and it has been a lot of fun so far.”

Have you talked to anyone you know who has been traded, seeing that this was your first trade?

“I haven’t really the last couple of days. I’ve seen so many guys come into Ottawa at the deadline. We usually made a few acquisitions, so I kind of knew just from seeing what they go through, it’s a little bit of a transition for sure, it’s a different feeling, but for me it’s a good start and a fresh start to come into a great team and a great city and a lot of positive things, so for me it’s exciting.”

What has gone through your head the last few days?

“A lot of thoughts. Obviously being in one place for so long, it’s difficult to leave, but it makes it that much easier when you know where you’re going. You’re coming to a great city, a great team a good group of guys, so the excitement kind of takes over, and there’s so many different emotions of different things, but overall it has been a real positive thing and something I think’s going to be great for me.”

Does it feel weird not wearing Senators gear?

“A little bit. That’s the first thing I did, I came in and got all Preds gear and colors and that’s definitely, when you put the jersey on tonight I’m sure it will be an even different feeling and I’m looking forward to it.”

What’s it like not knowing who your linemates will be?

“You know what, it’s, as a player you’re kind of used to lines being juggled, at least I have in the past. I’m just going to try to fit in. I don’t know…I’ve never played with any of the players than Weber at the (World Championships), and Lombardi who’s not playing. Other than that it will be kind of trying to get a feel for all the guys and their tendencies, just trying to not do too much … do my job I’m here for a reason and stick to the qualities that got me here.”

How do you jump into a playoff race after dealing with a tough situation in Ottawa?

“It’s a breath of fresh air, that’s for sure. It has been a struggle all year and been a real disappointment, and then all of a sudden I come to a great team and an opportunity to play in the playoffs and make a great push, so that right away is I think exactly what’s going to be really good for me and I’m excited about that.”

It’s going to be a crazy first night with your debut and Forsberg playing, eh?

“I’ll have some people here watching, lots of friends and stuff, it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m excited. I’ve always enjoyed coming in here and playing in this building and the fans are great and wearing the Predators jersey is going to be obviously special for me.”

Who picked you up from the airport?

“My wife”

Because Barry (Trotz) normally picks up new acquisitions …

“Normally he does, but I haven’t seen my wife in a little while.”

What was it like seeing her knowing what it’s like that you’re going to be living here?

“It was a good feeling for sure. I think we’re both, it’s going to make it a lot easier on us and a little bit less travel, that part of it obviously is a bonus, and I’m comfortable in the area and spent a lot of time here, so coming here I don’t have to look for a house or all those things and the transition I think is going to be a lot easier off the ice.”